Cross Stitching, once an occasional enjoyment has become my obsession.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Two With Thy Needle and Thread Finish Pieces

This month I tried dyeing linen with Walnut Crystals and loved the look. Filled a medium rubbermaid dishpan about halfway with hot water. Slowly added some crystals until the water looked like dark coffee or Coke. Kept stirring until the crystals were disolved. Put 2 pieces of linen in for 5 minutes and than removed it. Rolled them into a large towel and than hang the pieces to dry.

I used 22 ct Fine Ariosa Cream linen and it really needs to be zigzag before dying. It frays alot. After it was dry I noticed 3 small dot on the linen. Luckly it was only one side. Next time I plan on mixing the crystals in a small glass container or jar to make sure all the crystals are disolved.

I didn't keep track of how much water or the amount of crystals used. But plan on doing tests on 32 ct white belfast linen. Keeping track of amounts of water and crystals used. I like to see what happens at the 5, 10 and 15 minute mark with dark coffee coloured water. Than I want to add more crystals and do another 5, 10 and 15 minute mark test. Going to keep a book for future redyes.

Peter And Peep would make a lovely baby gift. It's suppose to be a pillow
Went with the listed threads and my hand dyded ariosa cream.

House Of Blues and Brown Sampler was stitched with the listed threads and hand-dyed ariosa cream